Casitas celebrates 4 years with youth

Ventura High's Krysten Menks loves the challenge of rowing. She's one of the original members of the Casitas Rowing Club, which celebrates a four-year anniversary on March 8.

Coxswain Emma Bangs crawls over the other members of the Casitas Rowing Club's Novice Eight boat during a race with fellow coxswain Jalen Coert who was doing the same on her boat. The goal is for the coxswain run to the opposite end of the boat, over their team, and back first.

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Jalen Coert (left), coxswain for the Casitas Rowing Club's Freshman Eight boat, starts her team during practice at Lake Casitas.

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Casitas Rowing Club members Vince Reyes (left) and Zack Koslow carry a boat to the club's launch at Lake Casitas for practice.

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The Casitas Rowing Club's Novice Eight row during the club's practice at Lake Casitas. The club is preparing for a competition in Long Beach over the Presidents Day holiday.

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Wendy Gillett gives instruction to some of the Casitas Rowing Club members with her dog, Pixie. Gillett coaches the team with her husband, Eric Gillett.